Paintsville, Ky – A Johnson County man accused of secretly recording a 15-year-old girl is asking a judge to consider his release from jail before trial. Federal prosecutors say Henry Jonathan Ritscher of Paintsville installed hidden cameras at his home, capturing images of the girl over a year-and-a-half. He reportedly confessed to police, admitting the recordings were for his own sexual gratification. Ritscher faces charges of producing and possessing child porn. His attorney requested a detention hearing. The judge has not yet ruled. Trial is set for January 12 in Ashland federal court.

 

Pike County, Ky – A Pike County grand jury has indicted Paul David Coleman of Meta for second-degree manslaughter, after an April shooting killed Greely Brandon “Bacon” Hurley of Stopover. Investigators say the altercation happened in a business parking lot at the intersection of KY 319 and U.S. 119 in Toler. Kentucky State Police report Coleman and Hurley got into a confrontation that escalated to gunfire. Hurley suffered fatal wounds and was pronounced dead at Tug Valley ARH Medical Center. Coleman was indicted November 19.

 

Floyd County, Ky – Seventh graders at John M. Stumbo Middle School are tackling the food crisis with a new hydroponics program. Led by teacher Andy Burke, students are learning to grow plants without soil and studying how this could shape farming in Eastern Kentucky. The project, funded by a local grant, also teaches traditional gardening and real-world science skills. Students say they’re inspired to create new solutions for their community and are planning fundraisers to expand the lab and share their work even further.

 

Paintsville, Ky – The Paintsville Tourism Commission is partnering with the City of Paintsville to buy the old Cox Department Store building next to the historic Sipp Theater. The $105,000 purchase will be split equally by the commission and city. The plan includes cleaning up the building with a Brownfield grant and restoring it in phases. Expansion will add ADA-compliant restrooms, more lobby space, and event areas for weddings and meetings. Additional parking will come with the new floodwall project behind the theater. The commission unanimously approved the $52,500 contribution to help grow this downtown landmark.